Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Mar. 16: Tibetan spritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has extended his congratulations to Mark Carney following his election as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and his subsequent appointment as the country’s Prime Minister.
Mark Carney, a former central banker, was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Canada on Friday, marking the end of Former Prime Minster Justin Trudeau’s nearly ten-year tenure.
In a message to the newly appointed leader, the Dalai Lama emphasised his connection to Canada, writing, “As someone privileged to be an honorary Canadian citizen myself, I am particularly proud that Canada enjoys a vibrant democracy. During my visits to Canada over the years, I have been deeply touched by the warmth of the friendship and affection that Canadians have shown me.”
The Tibetan spiritual leader also acknowledged Canada’s historical support for the Tibetan people, expressing “gratitude to the government and people of Canada for your continued assistance to the Tibetan people,” a sentiment he noted having conveyed to Carney’s predecessors as well.
His Holiness concluded his message with well wishes for the new Prime Minister: “May I wish you all the best in working to meet the aspirations of the people of Canada and in contributing to global peace and stability.”
Canada is home to a significant Tibetan diaspora, with the 2021 Canadian census recording 9,350 Tibetans residing in the country. The majority live in the Greater Toronto Area, particularly in Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood, often referred to as “Little Tibet,” which features numerous Tibetan businesses and cultural institutions. South Etobicoke has also seen growth in its Tibetan population in recent years.
Canada has a history of supporting Tibetan refugees. In 1966, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reached out to Canada to establish a refugee resettlement program. The Dalai Lama appealed directly to Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, advocating for the resettlement of Tibetans in Canada. Canadian High Commissioner James George, stationed in India, took up the cause and actively campaigned for their resettlement.
In December 1968, Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau wrote to the Dalai Lama regarding the issue. By 1970, Canada had committed to resettling 240 Tibetan refugees as part of a pilot project. Between 1970 and 1971, these refugees were successfully relocated from India to Canada
Further, in 2007, a two-year immigration initiative was launched by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, following another request from the Dalai Lama. The program facilitated the resettlement of thousand Tibetan refugees from India.
Over the years, Canada’s Tibetan community has made remarkable contributions to the country across various sectors. Notable figures include Bhutila Karpoche, the first person of Tibetan descent elected to public office in North America as a member of the Ontario Legislative Assembly; Tsering Yangzom Lama, a Giller Prize-nominated author; Tashi Rabgey, the first Tibetan Rhodes Scholar; Lhadon Tethong, a prominent human rights activist; and Rignam Wangkhang, an award-winning CBC journalist.
